Research institutions across the globe continue to study the positive correlation between the practice of art and the degree of health in individuals, and have amassed incredible statistics.

There is something inexplicable about the power of art. A particular shade of yellow, for instance, is cited to have been a spiritual haven for the troubled Dutch visionary Vincent van Gogh in the 19th century. Paul Gauguin, the experimental French painter and former acquaintance of Van Gogh, once voiced:

“Oh yes! He loved yellow; this good Vincent – those glimmers of sunlight rekindled his soul, that abhorred the fog, that needed the warmth.”

Gauguin had poetically detailed the healing potential of creating and viewing art. Below are five scientific case studies that support art’s ability to relieve stress, improve physical health, and elicit the power of Van Gogh’s yellow in our day-to-day lives.

Providing an Emotional Outlet

Immersing oneself in art and creative discovery is one way to release emotion, connect with your surroundings, and find a voice. A trip to your local museum, gallery, or art supply shop may prove to uplift your spirit.

A 2012 examination at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, called the Nord-Trondelag Health Study, discovered that fervent participation in cultural activities, such as spending time at a museum, gallery, or even creating artwork of your own correlates with increased satisfaction in life and emotional well-being. Incredibly enough, the Nord-Trondelag Health Study revealed that 84 percent of its 50,000 participants reported good health after consistent participation in cultural activities. Furthermore, 91 percent of the participants reported that they were highly satisfied with their life.

“Cherry Blossom I Ver. III” (2016), Peter Max

Another study published by the University of Arkansas in 2014 documented how visiting art museums helps young adults employ critical thinking skills, social tolerance, and historical empathy. A renowned neurobiologist at the University of London hypothesized that viewing artwork and falling in love employ similar chemical compounds. The scientist, Professor Semir Zeki, confirmed that viewing a classical masterpiece triggers a release of dopamine in the brain, which has been proven to activate feelings of love and desire.

Improving Physical Health

It isn’t difficult to believe that visual enjoyment lends itself to enjoyment of our inner selves. However, creating and viewing art has recently been shown to benefit our physical bodies as well.

In 2015, the University of California at Berkeley conducted a study that connected viewing art and immunity to illness. The presence of a specific protein in our body, called cytokines indicate an unhealthy working environment for our immune system. In the study, participants who viewed art or experienced awe had significantly lower levels of cytokines in their body than participates who didn’t experience wonder, beauty, or awe on a regular basis.

“The Scenic Route” (2007), Itzchak Tarkay

A significant 2010 study published by the American Journal of Public Health explored the positive mental benefits of art, and further questioned whether a lightened psychological state could relieve the pain of chronic disease. The study found that engaging in art not only alleviates emotional weight, but also creates a healthy outlet for expressing grief, thereby increasing the welfare of patients.

4 Responses to Therapeutic Benefits of Art

I have believed in the healing powers of art since I was 12 years old and pretended to be Peter Max to escape my world where blackness consumed me after the death of my Mom in 1968. Seven years ago I began a nonprofit art gallery for homeless and disabled individuals with the belief it could help others. It has…. And I got to tell Peter Max the story in St. Louis 3+ years ago. Full circle moment!

I would never have thought that art could have physical health as well. If viewing art is beneficial, I’d have to assume that there were benefits to making your own art as well. I’ve been considering taking an art class or workshop to see how it can help me express my creativity, but also relieve stress.

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